Silver Pen letter: Nonprofit workers don't deserve poor retirement

I worked in nonprofits all my life because I believe these organizations are important. I think that most people, whether Democrat or Republican, would agree. Republicans should really like them because while these organizations have some government support, most money comes from people in the community.

I trained staff at Lutheran Social Services, a wonderful organization. I enjoyed every minute of my time there. Now I work with a homeless shelter in the Valley. We help people who often are invisible.

While I worked for nonprofits, I realized that I would never make a lot of money. That was OK with me, as I was making a difference. But now, when I retire, my Social Security is based on what I earned. Because I didn't earn much, my check will be about $900 a month.

I was fortunate because I was married to a person who had a business and, therefore, I have some investments. But what if that wasn't the case? What if I only had my Social Security check?

I read about the people who want to cut entitlements and I wonder, did any of them work for a nonprofit? Did any of them devote their lives to serving the poor or the disabled or the beautiful animals who live out their lives at a humane society?

It seems to me it's a double whammy to people who work in nonprofit agencies. First, we don't earn a lot, then, we have to live on a Social Security check based on our income.

For those of you who believe that people who don't make a lot of money are somehow less important, why do you think that? Are people who work at a big business more deserving of a secure future than those who care for your disabled brother?

Connie Raether,

Appleton

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Silver Pen letter: Nonprofit workers don't deserve poor retirement

I worked in nonprofits all my life because I believe these organizations are important. I think that most people, whether Democrat or Republican, would agree.

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